Irresistible Chicken Satay Recipe with Creamy Peanut Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Grilled Delight

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is the ultimate combination of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a stunning appetizer for a party, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its bold, exotic flavors. The juicy, marinated chicken skewers are charred to perfection and paired with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that adds an extra layer of indulgence. It’s a dish that makes grilling feel like an art form and elevates any meal to a whole new level.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe while searching for the perfect grill recipe for summer, and it immediately became a family favorite. The flavors are incredibly vibrant, and the best part is that it's so simple to prepare. The chicken is marinated in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, curry paste, and garlic, ensuring each bite is tender and bursting with flavor. Once grilled, it’s hard to resist reaching for more, especially when dipped into that luxurious peanut sauce. I found this recipe at Insanely Good Recipes and had to share it with you because it’s simply too good to keep to myself!

Cultural Origins and Fun Facts:

Satay, originally from Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, has become popular worldwide, especially in Thailand where chicken satay with peanut sauce is a staple street food. It’s traditionally served with a tangy peanut sauce, which balances the smoky flavors of the grilled meat. The use of coconut milk in the marinade is a nod to the tropical ingredients common in Southeast Asian cuisine. The dish beautifully blends sweet, salty, and umami flavors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Recipe for Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Ingredients:

• Chicken Satay Skewers:
• • 1/3 cup coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch strips (thighs, breasts, or tenders)
  • 16 skewers
• Peanut Sauce:
• • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
• For Serving:
• • Chopped roasted peanuts
  • Sliced red chilies
  • Lime wedges
  • Cilantro leaves

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the coconut milk, soy sauce, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, curry powder, salt, and white pepper until smooth. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken fully.
2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, brown sugar, red curry paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice. Whisk everything together until smooth and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken strips onto the skewers. Be sure to discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken skewers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until lightly charred and cooked through. If you're using a grill pan, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to prevent sticking.
4. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken skewers with warm peanut sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced red chilies, lime wedges, and cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Pro Tips:

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite. Thigh meat tends to stay tender even when grilled, but if you prefer, you can opt for chicken breasts or tenderloins.
• Want to skip the skewers? No problem! Simply marinate and grill whole chicken pieces instead. It’s just as delicious, though you might need a knife and fork to enjoy them.
• Meal prep tip: You can make the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. This way, you can whip up a quick, tasty dinner any night of the week!

Pairings and Variations:

Serve these chicken satay skewers with steamed jasmine rice, cucumber salad, or even over a bed of greens for a lighter option. You can also pair this dish with vegetable spring rolls for a complete Thai-inspired meal. For a fun twist, try adding pineapple chunks onto the skewers for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Whether you're cooking for a family meal or hosting friends, this Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for summer grilling!

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